Bongani Ndlovu
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Senior Writer
ACTING President Dr Kembo Mohadi has congratulated Ugandan leader President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on his resounding re-election, reaffirming Zimbabwe’s commitment to deepen and broaden the two brotherly countries’ long-shared history of friendship and collaboration.
President Museveni was re-elected last week, securing a new five-year term that runs until 2031.
According to official results, he won the election with 71,65 percent of the vote, defeating his main challenger, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, who garnered a mere 24,72 percent.
In a congratulatory message, Dr Mohadi said President Museveni’s re-election was a clear testament to the trust and confidence the people of Uganda have in his tested and proven leadership.
“On behalf of the Government, the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe and on my own behalf, I wish to extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to you, Dear Brother, on your electoral victory.
“Your election is a testament to the trust the people of Uganda have in your tested leadership,” said Dr Mohadi.
Zimbabwe and Uganda continue to enjoy warm and cordial relations that date back to Zimbabwe’s protracted liberation struggle, underpinned by shared values, mutual respect and a common vision for Africa’s development.
“As we join you in celebrating this emphatic verdict from the people of the Republic of Uganda, I wish to reaffirm my country’s commitment to deepen and broaden our two brotherly countries’ long-shared history of friendship and collaboration.
“We look forward to working closely with you, Dear Brother, to enhance and reinforce these mutually beneficial relations in the years ahead, at both bilateral and multilateral fora, on issues of common interest.
“Please accept, Your Excellency and Dear Brother, the assurances of my highest esteem, and best wishes for your good health, peace and prosperity for the great people of the Republic of Uganda,” said Dr Mohadi.
Relations between Harare and Kampala have continued to strengthen over the years, with concrete cooperation frameworks being put in place to unlock economic and trade opportunities.
In 2019, the two countries agreed to establish a Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation to enhance collaboration across a number of economic sectors and to fully implement existing bilateral agreements.
Last year, President Mnangagwa and President Museveni also held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 11th Session of the African Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, where they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political, economic and people-to-people ties.
During the engagement, President Mnangagwa said the commencement of flights by Uganda Airlines to Zimbabwe was a clear demonstration of goodwill and a significant milestone in strengthening relations between the two countries.
Frequent flights between the two destinations have since stimulated bilateral trade and tourism, with the route recording up to 9 000 passengers travelling between Zimbabwe and Uganda, a figure expected to rise as economic cooperation deepens.
President Mnangagwa also took the opportunity to seek Kampala’s support for Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 period, further underscoring the close diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Sidumisile Mabena